Pyongyang: North Korea has commenced the construction of a museum dedicated to honoring its soldiers who have died fighting for Russia in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This development was reported by state media on Friday, highlighting the country's efforts to commemorate its military contributions abroad.

According to Anadolu Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for the museum, which is to be named the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations, and will be located in Pyongyang. The event was also attended by Aleksandr Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea, on Thursday, as reported by KCNA.

The state media detailed that Kim Jong Un personally selected the museum's site in the Hwaseong area, a place symbolic of modern Pyongyang, and took special measures to assemble elite construction units for the project. This initiative follows Kim's announcement in August to construct a street in Pyongyang, named 'Saebyol Street,' in the Taesong district to honor the fallen soldiers.

In April, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) informed lawmakers that at least 600 North Korean troops had died while fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine. The intelligence agency estimated that Pyongyang has likely suffered over 4,700 casualties since its troops began participating in the conflict last year.

North Korea and Russia solidified their military ties last year by signing a comprehensive strategic partnership, which includes a pledge of mutual military support if either nation is attacked by a third party. During a recent meeting in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the "courageous" North Korean soldiers who joined the Ukraine war at the behest of Kim Jong Un.